PVC for mash tun manifold

[permo]

So not even thinking i just bought all the parts for my new 100 quart mash tun build and yes i bought standard PVC.

Can i get by with this or should i start over with CPVC?

Bummed...

 

[thekraken]

I vote for go back and get you some cpvc. the white stuff is no bueno, man. PVC is only good to 140F

 

[wilserbrewer]

I would return it and buy a $10 stainless braided water heater supply, cheap and easy very effective batch sparging.
Jmo

 

[ThomasPaine]

I made a copper manifold, but yes, cpvc instead of pvc.

 

[permo]

I would return it and buy a $10 stainless braided water heater supply, cheap and easy very effective batch sparging.
Jmo

I have been using this for 8 years with no issues. I just figured somehow that a PVC manifold might be better. Not sure why.

 

[thekraken]

One way to find out

 

[Rcbandl]

CPVC unless you want to poison yourself

 

[lumpher]

I did the same thing years ago. I used the pvc I bought to pipe in cold water, and ended up sweating a copper manifold. Never regretted it, as I read all the bad stuff about regular pvc and stuff about temps over 140

 

[FloppyKnockers]

I wouldn't use either if I had a choice. PVC, although rated for potable water, can't stand some brewing temps. CPVC has the highest thermal expansion rate of any plastic pipe. When it first came out it was amazing, but after time it gets brittle and cracks. Especially FlowGuard...that stuff is junk. Not sure if a different manufacturer was able to overcome these downfalls. In the end braided line or copper is how I would go.

Just my $0.02

 

[ThomasPaine]

My copper manifold isn't soldered together. It holds its self together against the cooler walls, and comes apart for cleaning.

 

[Sammy86]

PVC= BAD
CPVC=GOOD

I've been using my CPVC manifold for about a year now. It comes apart nicely for cleaning and I'm consistently getting 75-80% efficiency now that I have my process down.

Also, it was 10 bucks for the length of pipe plus another 5-6 for the connectors and took less than an hour to make.

 

[wilserbrewer]

My experience using SS braids has been excellent, just hose the MT out and your set. I would imagine cleaning a manifold to be more difficult. I'm all about cheap, easy, and effective, the braid has never failed me.

 

[permo]

Took back the PVC, am going SS braid again.

 

[augiedoggy]

I have been using this for 8 years with no issues. I just figured somehow that a PVC manifold might be better. Not sure why.

It's not.

 

[k1ngl1ves]

I used the ss braids for years until I found a false bottom (in the hbt "for sale" section) for a great price. (10g round cooler)

I'll never go back to any type of homemade manifold. One of the best things I've bought, and it'll last forever.

 

[augiedoggy]

I went from a bazooka tube to a "real" commercial false bottom and saw zero effect on my efficiency. I did run into issues from the false bottom flattening out and cutting off the flow through the elbow in the center... I now use afalse bottom and a bazooka tube with a screen inside it because I use small DC pumpswhich plug easy